Bridgestone is now supplying a series of its sport motorcycle tires as original equipment for Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-10R, the company announced on Sept. 4.
The Battlax Racing Street RS12 is Bridgestone’s highest level of dry-grip performance tire in its road-legal lineup. It delivers improvements in circuit performance, emphasizes dry grip, and maintains high grip even after multiple laps.
The new Ninja ZX-10R is Kawasaki’s flagship supersport model and its base vehicle for professional racing, which includes the Superbike World Championship.
Kawasaki says the OE tires’ dry grip and stable cornering maximize the performance of the Ninja ZX-10R and deliver outstanding performance in various environments. By developing and supplying these tires, Bridgestone will continue contributing to Kawasaki and its riders through various other models.
Meyer Distributing has added The Carlstar Group to its product lineup through a new distribution partnership, expanding access to specialty tires and wheels for powersports and outdoor power equipment customers across North America.
Based in Jasper, Indiana, Meyer distributes specialty products to dealers and other customers in the outdoor power equipment market. The partnership adds Carlstar-branded products, including tires and wheels for ATV and UTV applications, to Meyer’s portfolio.
“This expanded partnership strengthens our ability to put Carlstar-branded and Titan Specialty products within reach of more customers across North America,” says Chris Daum, general manager of the OPE market segment at Titan International.
The addition gives Meyer customers another source for replacement and specialty tires covering ATV and UTV applications. Carlstar products are also used as original equipment on a variety of machines, according to the company.
“We are excited to partner with Carlstar,” says Mike Merder, category sales manager for outdoor power equipment at Meyer. “The Carlstar brand is a staple on original equipment machines for work and play, long recognized as a leader in the industry. It’s a great opportunity to provide our customers with another quality brand.”
Carlstar’s product range also covers lawn and garden, trailers and haulers, agriculture, construction, industrial and tube/flap applications. The company’s brands include products designed for both work and recreational applications.
S&S Cycle is putting some serious performance behind a new custom-bike competition at AIMExpo 2027, announcing that it will award a brand-new engine to the winner of The Builders Cup.
The competition will feature selected custom motorcycles on display inside The Builders Club, a dedicated AIMExpo show-floor area designed to connect custom builders with motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, media and other industry professionals.
For the winning builder, the competition will come with more than bragging rights. S&S Cycle will provide a new engine, allowing the builder to put the prize to work on a future project.
“Builders have been part of the S&S Cycle story from the beginning,” says Howard Kelly, vice president of marketing at S&S Cycle. “They are the people willing to experiment, challenge convention, and find new ways to turn performance into something personal, and The Builders Cup celebrates exactly that kind of creativity.”
S&S Cycle was founded in 1958 and has long been associated with the V-twin performance and custom motorcycle markets.
“A great custom motorcycle makes you stop and look, but the best builds stay with you long after, and that’s what The Builders Cup is all about,” says Andre Albert, director of market expansion and events for the Motorcycle Industry Council. “Having S&S Cycle provide an engine for the winner speaks volumes about the caliber of this competition and the builders behind it.”
Kevin Dunworth, AIMExpo custom motorcycle curator, is helping develop the competition and select its builder lineup. AIMExpo has a history of showcasing custom motorcycle culture, including serving as a qualifier for the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building and hosting its Shop Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring The Builders Cup to Florida and back to AIMExpo — a show with a long history of supporting custom motorcycle culture,” Dunworth adds.
The Builders Cup motorcycles will remain on display throughout AIMExpo, allowing attendees to see the bikes up close and meet the builders behind them. Additional details about the Builders Cup and participating builders are expected to be announced in the coming months.
AIMExpo also recently announced it will feature the Accelerate Conference by Powersports Business, giving powersports dealers educational sessions and industry insights alongside the show’s exhibits, networking and other events. For more information on PSB Accelerate sponsorship programs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with EPG vice president Mark Rosacker at mrosacker@epgacceleration.com.
Action camera manufacturer GoPro and Starman Optical, a privately held optical-photonics company, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement, with GoPro shareholders receiving a cash payment of $285 million, or $1.14 per share.
The privately held photonics company will acquire a 90% stake in GoPro to expand into AI data centers and defense. GoPro’s outstanding debt of approximately $92 million will be repaid in full at closing.
GoPro has become a household name over the past 24 years, as the company has developed innovative and market-defining technology and an associated IP portfolio of more than 2,500 U.S. patents. It also remains one of the most recognizable brands in powersports. Even today, the company’s cameras are a staple accessory in dealership parts departments, rider training programs, and OEM marketing content.
The camera manufacturer’s financial challenges have been building for several quarters. In the first quarter of 2026, revenue fell 26% year-over-year to $99 million, while camera sell-through declined 29%. The company reported an adjusted loss of 35 cents per share and negative EBITDA of $50 million. Retail channel revenue dropped 35% compared to the same period a year earlier.
In a joint press release, the companies said the merger is to maximize the value of GoPro’s IP and growth potential in consumer, commercial, and defense markets by recapitalizing the company, strengthening its balance sheet, investing in growth, and onshoring manufacturing for strategic markets.
GoPro will remain a publicly listed company and will continue to fully support its existing consumer products and its subscription and cloud platform. Starman’s U.S.-made optical transceivers are expected to be added to GoPro’s portfolio.
The merger was approved by both boards and the deal is expected to close by year-end 2026.
Professional skateboarder Greg Lutzka is ollieing into the powersports space with the launch of his new signature Bassani exhaust pipes for Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider and Low Rider ST.
Officially announced on Lutzka’s Instagram page and recently showcased at the LeMans NVP show in Milwaukee, the Onyx Black version comes out in November, with Stainless Steel following in spring 2027. Each pipe also comes with a signed special edition skate deck.
Lutzka announced that the custom exhaust pipes will be available exclusively through Drag Specialties.
Twiceme Technology is partnering with Parts Unlimited to bring a new digital safety product to motorcycle dealers and riders across the United States.
The companies recently announced that Parts Unlimited will distribute the Twiceme Tag, an adhesive badge equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology that can be attached to virtually any motorcycle helmet. The Tag gives riders access to Twiceme’s Medical ID technology and safety-alert features without requiring a helmet with Twiceme technology built in.
For dealers, the product provides another safety-focused accessory that can be added to a rider’s existing helmet. In the event of a crash or other emergency, a first responder can tap a smartphone to the Twiceme Tag to access information the rider has entered, including emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, medications and blood type. The system is designed to provide that information without requiring an internet connection or cloud-based storage.
Riders configure the Tag through the free Twiceme smartphone app and control the information stored on the device. The profile can be updated by the rider as needed. The Tag also provides access to Twiceme features including Get Back Timer, which can notify a designated contact if a rider fails to check in by a preset time. Additional features include Share Location, Emergency Services and an Immobility Alert.
Riders configure the Tag through the free Twiceme smartphone app and control the information stored on the device.
“Riders trust Parts Unlimited to outfit them with gear to help them keep their equipment operating and keep them safe on every ride. Twiceme fits naturally into that mission,” says Kipp Podlewski, vice president of supply chain at Parts Unlimited. “Carrying this technology means our dealer network can put life-saving information directly into the hands of the enthusiasts we serve every day.”
The partnership is part of Twiceme’s effort to establish what the company describes as a digital safety standard for the motorcycle industry. According to Twiceme, its technology is currently integrated into more than 4 million pieces of safety and protective equipment worldwide.
“Complexity is the enemy of safety, and a helmet with a Twiceme Tag that any rider can attach to a helmet is about as simple as protection gets,” says Christian Connolly, CEO of Twiceme Technology. “Every rider deserves access to this kind of protection.”
The Twiceme Tag is expected to be available later this year through Parts Unlimited’s dealer network and online channels.
Powersports diagnostic scanner
Topdon, a provider of automotive diagnostic tools, is bringing its technology to the powersports market with the One Moto diagnostic scanner. Built for garage, off‑road, and dockside environments, the One Moto provides full‑system diagnostics for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and marine vehicles across more than 100 brands.
The One Moto’s comprehensive diagnostic capabilities give users access to OE‑level functions, live data, maintenance resets, and diagnostics for engines, ABS, immobilizer systems, and instrument clusters across supported powersports and marine vehicles. Beyond basic diagnostics, the One Moto performs essential maintenance functions, including oil reset, throttle matching, clutch matching, and module flashing. Using the integrated port‑finding guidance, technicians can quickly locate diagnostic connectors, minimizing setup time. MSRP: $1,950.
HPT542 Bolt‑in Cam
S&S Cycle’s HPT542 cam is a direct bolt‑in cam for Harley‑Davidson M8 engines. With a .542‑inch lift, it pulls from 2000‑6200 rpm and delivers a blend of broad torque, high‑RPM horsepower, crisp throttle response, and lumpy idle. The 542 cam is designed to be used with 2024+ Gen 2 models. For 2017‑2023 models, a high‑lift valve spring is required. MSRP: $295.95.
Camshaft Chain Drive Kits
Upgrade your ride with S&S Cycle’s precision‑machined sprockets, designed for accurate cam timing and smoother chain engagement. Forged from high‑quality bearing steel, the kit delivers tooth wear resistance and extended life under high loads. Fits 2007‑2017 Harley Big Twin models and 2017‑2026 Harley M8 models. MSRP: $225-$396.
Superduty WP CE Boot
The Superduty WP CE Boot from Icon Motorsports is wrapped in genuine leather with a Cosmo HBR waterproof and breathable lining, built to charge through rain, grit, and concrete. The interior includes D3O ankle inserts and a hi‑rebound EVA insole, and a slip‑resistant outsole keeps your footing solid. Comes in both Brown and Black, with an MSRP of $185.
Adjustable Drop Hitch
The adjustable drop hitch from Moose OffRoad is made from high‑strength quarter‑inch HRPO steel and is universal‑fit, designed with multiple adjustment options. The durable, textured black, powder‑coated finish prevents chipping, scratches, and corrosion. It features a full 8 inches of adjustment. Ball and pin not included; only works with half‑inch hitch pins. MSRP: $115.